Radford University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Mike McGuire has announced the exciting signing of two future Highlanders for the 2024-25 season.
Ava Sawi, a 5’7 guard from Alexandria, Va. and Anna Stromberg, a 6’2 forward from Andover, Minn. round out the duo of new Highlanders who will be making their collegiate debuts next season.
Ava Sawi
Guard | 5-7 | Alexandria, Va. | Episcopal High School
Quentin Roosevelt Charactar award winner
Named basketball MVP in her district for the 2022 season
Two-time all-state honoree and two-time all-league
Was named the Alexandria Sportman Club Athlete of the Month for January 2022
Coached by Katrina Reed at Episcopal High School and is a member of the Boo Williams AAU squad coached by Boo Williams
Daughter of Jay Sawi
Ava on why she chose Radford: “I chose Radford because I love the coaching staff. The area and campus are also beautiful and stuck out to me.”
McGuire on Ava: “Ever since Ava visited with us last October, we have been blown away with her as a person. Ava is so well rounded. She will bring immediate maturity, verasatility, and playmaking to our perimeter. Ava is driven, focused and has a strong work ethic that will impact our culture and mindset on a daily basis. We are looking forward to getting to work with Ava.”
Anna Stromberg
Forward | 6-2 | Andover, Minn. | Legacy Christian
Averaging 19.6 points, 16 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game
Was a member of the National Honor Society in 2022 and 2023
Named all-conference basketball in 2021-21
Named team captain for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons
Is a four-year letter winner in basketball as well as volleyball
Well-versed in robotics being named captain of the robotics team in 2023-24 and went to Robotics Nationals in 2022
Coached by Nate Lindholm at Legacy Christian and is a member of the Legacy Hoops AAU squad coached by Nisha Fisher
Daughter of Harry and Wendy Stromberg
Anna on why she chose Radford: “After visiting Radford with Coach McGuire and his staff, I was encouraged by their devotion to this team and this program. Not only that, but I was excited to be a part of this business community that values entrepreneurial and innovative thinking at Radford.”
McGuire on Anna: “Our staff saw Anna for the first time during the July evaluation period. We immediately were attracted to her and her upside. As we continued to get to know her, we knew she was a great fit based on her value system and what she believes in. Anna is a versatile post with great size and a high ceiling. She comes from an extremely hard-working family and working hard has been instilled in her. We are really excited to help Anna find her best in a Highlander uniform.”
Radford University Athletics
